The annual Formula Student competition challenges university students from around the world to design, build and race a single seater race car.
The season follows the university year and culminates in a finals event at Silverstone, comprising formal presentations of their engineering knowledge together with on-track dynamic events to demonstrate the speed, handling and reliability of their finished vehicles.
Students from Staffordshire University competed against more than 130 teams, with 20 nationalities involved.
Staffordshire University was the second best performing UK university - claiming fourth place overall. They came first in the endurance shootout as well as being fastest in the acceleration shootout.
The team also came second overall in the dynamic events, making them the best UK team, and second in the endurance event with their fastest ever total time.
Team member Calvin Bergen said: “Honestly it was the best experience of my life. Driving out there at Silverstone, not a lot of people get the chance to do that. It’s just a surreal experience.”
The team’s success is even more impressive after having to replace their car’s engine just days before heading to the competition.
Team leader and BEng (Hons) Automotive and Motorsport Engineering student Angel Dong explained: “A couple of weeks ago we actually had two engines fail on us and we had to find a really quick replacement engine! The hours that we’ve all put in, we’ve been in the workshop six days a week, sometimes working until about 2am just to make sure that we’ve got the car ready to go.”
Angel and several other members of the team even missed their graduation ceremony to take part in the competition.
“This is my third year on the team, my final year on the team as well. So it’s a bit sad but very exciting to see the development throughout the years that I have been with Staffordshire Uni Racing.
“I think the main thing with Formula Student is to learn what you get from the degree and then apply it to real life and build a car from scratch. Me and a few other students have done a final year project on aspects of the car, so this has helped us with our studies as well as being able to get hands on with the car. Being able to build something that you have designed from concept makes you proud of yourself.”
Motorsport Technical Specialist Martin Dunn, who mentored the team throughout the competition, added: “Following a really difficult year with multiple failures along the way, the final results are excellent.
“Formula student isn’t just about the winning, it’s about the journey. It’s not just an outstanding educational project but it’s also extremely character building and for me, just getting to the competition makes them winners.”
Discover more about studying at Staffordshire University by visiting an Open Day Or get an instant decision on whether you are eligible to apply through the online Clearing Offer Generator.